scholarly journals Physicochemical Parameters and Toxic Heavy Metals Concentration in Coffee

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Eltigani Osman Musa Omer ◽  
Osama Ahmed Labib ◽  
Mubashir Zafar
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Toxic Metals ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Coffee Powder

Background and Objective: Coffee is one of the common drinks in Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia due to its desirable aroma, taste and putative positive physiological functions. The concentration of metals is commonly present in coffee powder. The presence of heavy metal concentration in different brands of coffee powder available in Saudi Arabia market has been analyzed. Methods: Thirteen different coffee brands were selected in different markets, all assessment was carried out in advanced instruments such as Inductively Coupled Plasma and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. There are 14 metals which divide into seven non toxic and seven toxic metals were analyzed. Non toxic metals are calcium (Ca), iron (Fe),magnesium (Mg), Magnese (Mn), Potassium (K), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and toxic metals are arsenic (Ar), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony and cadmium (Cd). Results: The mean and standard deviation of non-toxic and toxic metals concentration in different samples of coffee were as follows: Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P and Na were 24.87±6.76, 6.670±4.88, 235.98±100.05, 407.02±22.56, 8.63±10.14, 0.01±0.01, 333.86±247.35 respectively. Toxic metals concentration were as Al, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Si, Zn were   11.04±10.03, 0.80 ±2.52, 2.43±3.02, 0.07±0.11, 7.57±9.26,  23.48±27.32  and 1.853±1.66 respectively. These concentration values were high compared to threshold limit values (TLVs) of metals. Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that coffee powder had high concentration of heavy toxic metals which is the major public health problem. Thus, quality control for food safety recommended during production of coffee.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Awareness about Colorectal Cancer and Its Screening Guidelines among Doctors in Al Ahsa, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Bathula Surendra ◽  
Muhammad Mujtaba Hashir ◽  
Fahad Salman Al Harbi ◽  
Mohammed Jassim Al Nuwaysir ◽  
Khalid Majed Al Khaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Eastern Province ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
Screening Guidelines

INTRODUCTION: Cancer is a major public health problem. Worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of deaths due to cancer in both men and women. Among, Saudi men, CRC is the most common malignancy while it is the third most common among Saudi women. Over, two decades the incidence and deaths due to CRC have been steadily increasing in Saudi Arabia. Regular and timely screening has the potential in reducing the incidence and deaths due to colorectal cancer. The present study is conducted to evaluate the knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer and its screening among the doctors.OBJECTIVES: To measure the frequency of knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer and its screening guidelines among doctors in Al-Ahssa.METHODS: A questionnaire based survey of the doctors (Specialists & residents), working in different hospitals and primary health centers under the Ministry of Health in Al Ahssa region, Eastern province, KSA.  Knowledge and awareness about colorectal cancer and its screening among the doctors is evaluated.RESULTS: Over 80% of the doctors knew, screening reduces deaths due to CRC. Only 60% were aware about the risk factors and less than 50% knew the clinical features of CRC. About 60% doctors agreed Colonoscopy is gold standard screening test. While, less than 60% knew the ideal age to initiate screening and the actual interval of screening tests in the standard risk and high-risk population. Fewer than 25% doctors were aware about the American cancer society recommended screening guidelines. Majority of the doctors expressed keen interest to know and receive information about CRC and its screening guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Regular and timely screening reduces deaths due to CRC. There is a need for improving knowledge and awareness of doctors about CRC and its screening. Awareness among the doctors improves uptake of screening by the general and high-risk population.

scholarly journals Assessment of Heavy and Toxic Metals in the Blood and Hair of Saudi Arabia Smokers Using Modern Analytical Techniques

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majed Alrobaian ◽  
Hassan Arida
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Toxic Metals ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Microwave Digestion ◽  
Toxic Metal ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Atomic Emission ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Modern Analytical

Epidemiological studies on the heavy and toxic metal content in the human blood and hair of some smokers from Saudi Arabia were carried out by modern analytical techniques. The levels of some selected heavy and toxic metals (e.g.; Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Se, Mn, Zn, Ni, and Cr) were determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). Prior to the analysis, the blood and hair samples of Saudi Arabia smokers were collected, treated, and digested by microwave digestion system. The number of cigarettes per day as well as the smoking period was taken in consideration in this study. The tested elements concentrations in the investigated smoker blood and hair samples were compared with those obtained from some nonsmoking control samples. The samples were collected from the psychiatric hospital in Taif city after issuing the ethical committee license in this regard. The results obtained from this study represent a very important guide for the antismoking organizations. The assessment of some side effects of the smoking in such studies presents vital challenge for the social antismoking authorities and the stakeholder governments to attain the sustainable investment for their people.

scholarly journals Spectroscopic Assessment of Platinum Group Elements of PM10 Particles Sampled in Three Different Areas in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad W. Kadi ◽  
Iqbal Ismail ◽  
Nadeem Ali ◽  
Abdallah A. Shaltout
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Platinum Group Elements ◽  
Catalytic Converters ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Light Traffic ◽  
Traffic Site ◽  
Platinum Group ◽  
High Concentrations

Platinum group elements (PGE) including Ru, Rh, Pt and Pd have been quantified in air particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter equal or less than 10 microns (PM10) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). PM10 aerosols have been collected from three sites representing various activities in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. These locations are residential site with heavy traffic, industrial site and heavy traffic and a light traffic site outside the city. To obtain reasonable data of the PGE concentrations, a group from 10 to 15 PM10 samples were collected every month. The annual and seasonal variation of the mass concentration of the PGE were demonstrated. In all locations, Pt and Pd were relatively higher than Ru and Rh possibly because their main use is in automobile catalytic converters. Concentrations of observed PGE in PM10 could be arranged in ascending order as: Rh < Ru < Pd < Pt. In case of Ru and Pt, there are clear similarities in terms of the overall mean concentrations at the sampling locations. Due to the high concentration of Ru, Rh and Pd at low traffic site, there are certainly other sources of these elements rather than vehicle catalytic converters. However, at the industrial/heavy traffic location, high concentrations of Ru were detected during February 2015. In addition, high Pt concentrations were also detected at the light traffic site during May 2015. Results indicate that Pt source in PM10 is mainly the automobile catalytic converters.

scholarly journals ARSENIC: A HARMFUL AND DESECRATE COMPOUND FOR THE HUMANS

2019 ◽  
pp. 24-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
SURESH CHANDRA ◽  
ARYENDU KUMAR SAINI ◽  
AKASH KUMAR GUPTA
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Inorganic Arsenic ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Arsenic Toxicity ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Drinking Water Contamination ◽  
The World

Arsenic toxicity has become a burgeoning concern as several millions of people are exposed to this chemical through drinking water contamination by arsenic remains a major public health problem. Acute and chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water has been reported in many countries of the world, where a large proportion of drinking water is contaminated with high concentrations of arsenic. As contamination in groundwater has been found in more than 105 countries around the world, it has become the worldwide health problem as several millions of people are exposed to this toxicant. Arsenic contamination of different countries includes Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Nepal, Thailand, and Chili is the major affected countries where inorganic arsenic in the groundwater with high concentration is seen. Arsenic is one of the most toxic metals which is originated from the natural environment. The catastrophe is that the majority of human arsenic toxicity is from polluted drinking water rather than agricultural sources (fertilizers or pesticides). The different areas across the Gangetic plains in Nepal and India also recently reported being affected by the arsenic. The hippocampus is a part of the limbic system that is crucial to memory function and spatial navigation. Hippocampus lesions in humans produce devastating impairments in declarative memory, and similar results have been seen in non-human primates with hippocampus neurobehavioral disorders.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Saudi Arabia

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamudha Parveen Rahamathulla
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Middle East Countries ◽  
Igm Elisa

Background and Objective: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease and a major public health problem in the Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia. This study has evaluated the seroprevalence of human brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Central Saudi Arabia. Methods: The study was conducted for three years (2015-2018) at Wadi Al Dawaser general hospital. A total of 6721 clinically suspected serum samples were collected over three years and tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT), IgM and IgG ELISA. A standard questionnaire to determine the risk factors were used among patients. Results: Of the total 6721 samples tested, 576 (8.6%) were seropositive for brucellosis. RBPT identified 427 (74.1%), SAT titers 493 (85.6%) cases. IgM ELISA and IgG ELISA were positive for 501 (86.9%) and 558 (96.8%) cases respectively. Among the positive cases, 77.3% were male with the male to female ratio of 3.3:1. Nearly, 82% were Saudi Nationals. Direct contact with domestic animals and consumption of raw milk were the risk factors identified. No seasonal variation was seen. Diagnostic yield of IgM ELISA showed 86.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity; IgG ELISA showed 96.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Both IgG and IgM ELISAs showed 100% Positive predictive value, 98.9% and 95.6% Negative predictive value respectively. Conclusion: A seroprevalence of 8.6% of human brucellosis was documented from this rural region. This is the first report from Wadi Al Dawaser. Frequent surveillance among risk group, vaccination of livestock, creating awareness and health education among the public and school children are recommended. How to cite this:Rahamathulla MP. Seroprevalence of Human Brucellosis in Wadi Al Dawaser region of Saudi Arabia. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.1.55 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

scholarly journals BRUCELLOSIS

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 1828-1832
Author(s):  
Ali Faraz ◽  
Syed Yousaf Kazmi ◽  
Muhammad Asad Farhan ◽  
Usama Bin Ghaffar ◽  
Sajid Hussain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Agglutination Test ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Seroprevalence Rate ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nomadic Life

Background: Human brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease transmitted from domesticated animals to humans. It remains a major public health problem in Saudi Arabia where 7% of the population still maintains a nomadic life style with domestication of animals. Objectives: This study aims to discover the prevalence of brucellosis and Brucella among patients attending a district government hospital in Majmaah, kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Period: 2 years (from 1st February 2016 to 31st January 2018). Design: Cross sectional descriptive. Settings: King Khalid Hospital, Al Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. Materials (Patients) & Methods: Total 1098 serum samples from the patients with clinical suspicion of brucellosis were screened with rapid slide agglutination test (crescent diagnostics Jeddah) for Brucella antibodies and later confirmed by Serum Tube Agglutination Test. Main Outcome Measures: The result of our study showed that the prevalence of brucellosis among patients attending our study is 9.1%. Results: 100 individuals were found to be seropositive with titers ≥1:160. The result of our study showed that the prevalence of brucellosis among patients attending our study is 9.1%The Majority of the patients presented to the medical OPD and orthopedic unit of the hospital. The prevalence of disease in males was found to be higher as compared to females in the current studied group. The age group 21- 40 years, was found to be far more susceptible to this infection. Majority presented with fever and musculoskeletal complaints. The total seroprevalence rate calculated for the patients attending our hospital is 26.50%. Conclusion: Frequent serological surveillance should be carried out in areas that are endemic. Screening of risk groups, imported animals and household members of active brucellosis must be undertaken. This is a crucial epidemiological move allowing for timely diagnosis and control of disease. Limitations: Our prevalence rate represents a specific segment of the population (i.e., those attending the hospital) and not thegeneral population. 

scholarly journals GC-MS Analysis and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Shammah (Smokeless Tobacco) Samples of Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia as Promoter of Cancer Cell Proliferation

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asaad Khalid ◽  
Hassan A. Alhazmi ◽  
Ashraf N. Abdalla ◽  
Waquar Ahsan ◽  
Shahnaz Sultana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Smokeless Tobacco ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Fetal Lung ◽  
Black Pepper ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Colon Cancers ◽  
Ms Analysis

Shammah is a locally manufactured form of smokeless tobacco (ST) which is traditionally used in Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Yemen. Presence of a high concentration of nicotine, in addition to various other toxic and carcinogenic constituents, makes it a serious human health threat. It is an admixture containing powdered tobacco, along with several additives, such as lime, ash, black pepper, volatile oils, and flavoring agents. This study was conducted to investigate the constituents of eight different samples of widely used shammah varieties in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia using GC-MS and to evaluate their cytotoxic effect against three cancer cell lines representing most of the top malignancies in the region including MCF-7, A2780, and HT29 cancer cells, in addition to MRC5 cells (normal human fetal lung fibroblast) using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of nicotine or 3-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)pyridine (2.1–91.9% of total constituents detected) in all ST samples, whereas its derivative (1s,2s)-nicotine-N-oxide (0.23–1.62%) was detected in four samples. In addition, several known carcinogenic constituents were also identified, and their carcinogenicity was confirmed by MTT results, in which, all the eight samples promoted the growth of MCF7, A2780, and HT29 cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects of samples against the normal cells MRC5 was proportional to the number of components detected by GC-MS. The ingestion of these constituents through saliva of shammah consumers could be the reason for many cancers including breast, ovary, and colon cancers. These results support the urgent local and international call to educate the users regarding the deleterious effects of shammah to avoid its use.

scholarly journals Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in El-Madinna Manowra region, Saudi Arabia in 2012.

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazar M Abdalla ◽  
Abdelgani M Abdelgani ◽  
Amani A Osman ◽  
Mohamed A Sarhan
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Single Male ◽  
Male Adult ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Objective: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease causing major public health problem in form of visceral and cutaneous types. The cutanoue leishmaniasis is caused by L. tropica, in low-land areas without reservoir; Arthroponatic leishmaniasis (ACL),  Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ( ZCL), in high-land. This case report involved; 25 years old Egyptian active young single male adult, stayed in Utama (75 Km far from El-Madina Manowra on the road to Makkah). He presented with three skin lesions on his arms occurred within the last 1-3 months. on examination revealed; volcano- like indurated ulcers which clinically suspected as leishmania lesions .Materials and Methods: Laboratory investigations were involved; skin smear using Giemsa stain, Leishmanin test (LST),  polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing and phylogenitic analysis BLAST (NCBI).Results: Microscopy  positive LDB (leishmanin donovani bodies), Leishmanin test (LST) was negative. PCR  positive L. major . Sequence alignment were 100% with nine Iranian isolates and one Tunisian isolate. After one month of treatment with Pentostam (Sodium stibogluconate) local injections at the site of lesions the lesion progressed from ulcer to scar.Conclusion: L. major is a major species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in Al-Medina Manowra region in Saudi Arabia. The usage of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a useful diagnostic tool and help to identify the causative species.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July ’13 Page 325-330 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.13189 

scholarly journals Risk Factors for and Barriers to Control Type-2 Diabetes among Saudi Population

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yahya Mari Alneami ◽  
Christopher L. Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Saudi Population

<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> The prevalence of Type-2 Diabetes is dramatically increasing in urban areas within Saudi Arabia. Hence, Type-2 Diabetes has now become the most common public health problem. Understanding the major risk factors for and barriers to control Type-2 Diabetes may lead to strategies to prevent, control, and reduce in the burden of disease cases.</p><p><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To describe risk factors for and barriers to control Type- 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>METHODS:</strong> The literature search was conducted on risk factors for and barriers to control Type- 2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia using the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar (2007-2015). The literature search yielded 80 articles, of which 70 articles were included in this review after excluding non-relevant articles. </p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> The literature review revealed that obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, smoking, and aging are the major risk factors for Type-2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia. Further, the review allocated a complex set of barriers including, lack of education, social support, and healthy environment. These barriers may hinder Saudis with Type-2 Diabetes from controlling their disease.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The prevalence of Type-2 Diabetes is high among the Saudi population and represents a major public health problem. Effective research programs are needed to address the modifiable risk factors for and barriers to control Type-2 Diabetes among Saudi population.</p>

scholarly journals EPIDEMIOLOGIC ASPECTS OF TRAUMA IN AL-JOUF REGION, SAUDI ARABIA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

2019 ◽  
pp. 261-264
Author(s):  
DOAA M ABDEL-SALAM ◽  
RAWAN R ALRUWAILI ◽  
FARAH S ALHABLANI ◽  
NOUR H ALFAHEL ◽  
ANWAR A ALBLAWI
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Blunt Trauma ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Traffic Accidents ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Penetrating Trauma ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Road Traffic Accidents

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the types, characteristics, and associated factors of trauma in Al-Jouf Region which is located in Northern part of Saudi Arabia. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Emergency Department of Prince Meteb Hospital in Al-Jouf Region. A total number of 382 patients were enrolled in the present study. A pre-organized data form were designed for each patient attended the Emergency Department of Prince Meteb Hospital from January 2017 to January 2018. It included data about sociodemographic characteristics, type of trauma, and trauma characteristics. Results: The mean age of the patients was 24.4±13.4 years. Most of the patients (75%) were <30 years old. Males (86.9%) were influenced by trauma more common than females. Most of the patients (84.8%) were from urban areas. Blunt trauma constituted 58.9% while, penetrating trauma 41.1%. The most common cause of trauma was road traffic accidents, which occurred among 40% of patients. The most frequent trauma site was head trauma (49%). Most of the patients (47.9%) reached the hospital within 30 min. Regarding the fate of patients, 46.1% discharged after management, 42.1% admitted to intensive care units, and only 11.8% died. Blunt trauma was significantly higher than penetrating trauma among the young age group. Patients with blunt trauma arrived hospital significantly earlier than patients with penetrating trauma. The fate of patients is significantly better in blunt trauma than penetrating trauma. Conclusion: Trauma is considered to be a major public health problem, particularly in the young population in Saudi Arabia. Blunt trauma is more common than penetrating trauma, with road traffic accidents representing the majority.

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